Lighter bullets??

[Claus]

I've been reloading for only a few months, pretty much trying to load close to factory loads or maybe a bit lighter recoil. I'm looking for target loads. My primary reason at this point is to shoot cheaper. I've been loading 38 special and just getting ready to dip into 45 ACP.

I see a lot of suppliers with lighter weight bullets than I've been using (38sp - 158gr, 45ACP - 230gr). What in practical terms will I gain with a lighter weight projectile?

Thanks,
--Claus

 

[joneb]

I like Xtreme's 200gr Plated RN for 45 acp. Rainier once made a 140gr plated RNFP with no cannelure that I miss, POI wasn't to different than 158's.

 

[nettlle]

In regards to 45acp the lighter bullets do recoil less. Lighter bullets can be less expensive than heavier bullets and also may require less powder so there's a little economy there.

For range use I like 200 grn lswc. They are more accurate in my guns than 230 grn lrn bullets and cost a little less.

 

[PistolPete45]

my loading shows

I seem to have better groups with the heavy bullets .. Not that I have kept records and such but just a general observation on my part . Have loaded a lot of 200 grain 45's and just started loading 250's I really like the pinbuster 250's .. I could be wrong about it but it seems to me I shoot better with slower heavier bullets ..

 

[CZ9shooter]

My primary reason at this point is to shoot cheaper.

What in practical terms will I gain with a lighter weight projectile?

You said it yourself.

Lighter bullets are almost always a little cheaper. Sure, it wont make much of a difference after only 100 rounds, but down the road it will add up.

I would stick within the norms though. Maybe 125-140 for specials, and in the 200 range for the 45. Dont go with ultra light-for-caliber bullets.

 

[Bronx kid]

I could be mistaken so someone correct me if I wrong but I believe that lighter bullets normally require more powder than a heavier bullet.

 

[reddog81]

Lighter bullets typically require more powder, but slightly more powder is usually less expensive than larger bullets.

 

[Sam1911]

Lighter bullets tend to print lower on the target than heavier slugs. That can be useful to know if you have older and/or fixed-sight type guns.

 

[Blue68f100]

If you really want light shooting bullets use the 185gr LSWC used for BR shooting, 12 BHN. Then load at BE loads which are only around the 700-750fps range. I don't think you can get must softer shooting 45's acp with these loads.

 

[HankC]

May not cycle a semi if too light.

 

[Sunray]

Less felt recoil, but you might also have to change springs to get under 200 grains to cycle the action properly.
Partial to cast .230 RNs or FPs with 4.5 grains of Bullseye myself. Nice pleasant to shoot bullseye shooting load. Cycles my Colt with no fuss too.

 

[Zendude]

I prefer the 125 grain rather than 158 grain for my 38 reloads, only because It feels more like the Honady Critical Defense loads that I use for carrying. Other than that, both the 125 and 158 grain plated bullets shoot very well.

 

[Blue68f100]

If you go light loads you need to use a fast burn powder like WST, BE... The fast speed will/may allow the gun to operate without changing the RS. My 45 will run on a std 16# RS with 4.1gr WST and 185gr LSWC. Don't go this low with jacketed or you will stick a bullet. These chrony around 750fps out of my gun. Please NOTE THESE ARE BELOW MINIMUM (4.4gr) PUBLISHED LOADS, SO USE WITH CAUTION.

 

[anothernewb]

Lighter bullets typically require more powder, but slightly more powder is usually less expensive than larger bullets.

light bullets + fast powder = savings.

The only cost is speed of the round.

fast powders are powder misers. 3-4 grains vs perhaps double that for the "full power" type powders. adds up fast. When all you're doing is punching paper, you only need enough velocity to make it through the paper, or cycle the action.

classic example. 2.8 gains bullseye and a 148 wadcutter in 38spl. ~700 fps. slow enough to see, but accurate, and gets you 2500 (nominal) rounds per pound of powder.